Student Handbook
Sunnyvale Middle School
Student Handbook
2012-2013
Sunnyvale Independent School District
417 E. Tripp Rd.
Sunnyvale, TX 75182
972.226.7601
Sunnyvale ISD Mission Statement
The mission of the Sunnyvale ISD is to provide the highest quality education by creating life-long learners through comprehensive academic, athletic, cultural, and extra-curricular opportunities for the children of our community.
Administrative Staff
Doug Williams Superintendent
Zachary Hobbs High School Principal
Carmen Ayo Middle School Principal
Amy Tutle Elementary Principal
Christi Morgan Director of Student Services
Ron Hounsel Director of Operations
John Settle Athletic Director
Board of Trustees
Brad Cravens President
Linda Gooch Vice-President
Janet Clements Secretary
Kimberly Ingram Member
Dr. Joe Quinn Member
Gerald Thorne Member
Michael Threet Member
School Board meetings are held the fourth Monday of the month in the Sunnyvale Elementary School Library. All meetings are open to the public except under those circumstances in which Texas law permits a board to go into closed session. Special meetings may be called when necessary. A written notice of regular and special meetings will be posted at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting time. The posting location for the Board Meeting notice is:
Sunnyvale Elementary School
417 E. Tripp Rd.
Sunnyvale, TX 75182
Sunnyvale, Our Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale, Our Sunnyvale,
our faith we pledge to thee.
Sunnyvale, Our Sunnyvale,
with love and loyalty
Our blue and gold so glorious,
forever stands victorious
For dear Sunnyvale, our Sunnyvale
Will reign eternally!
SUNNYVALE FIGHT SONG
GO! RAIDERS! WIN!
Oh when you see that RAIDER Blue and Gold
You know that victory will be our goal
For the RAIDER teams we love so well,
We’re gonna yell and yell and yell,
“FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!”
RAIDERS fight for every score,
We’re gonna circle in and win some more
We’re gonna fight to win with all our might
We’re gonna fight, fight, fight!
Table of Contents
PREFACE 1
SECTION I: PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 3
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT 3
Working Together 3
Parent Involvement Coordinator 4
PARENTAL RIGHTS 4
Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights 4
“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities 4
Inspecting Surveys 5
Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff 5
Reviewing Instructional Materials 5
Displaying a Student’s Artwork and Projects 5
Accessing Student Records 5
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student 6
Granting Permission to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction 6
Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom 6
Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction 6
Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags 7
Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence 7
Requesting Limited or No Contact with a Student through Electronic Media……………...7
Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct 8
School Safety Transfers 8
Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple Birth Siblings 8
Parents of Students with Disabilities 8
Request for the Use of a Service Animal…………………………………………………….8
Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning
Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education………………………………….9
Parents of Students Who Speak a Primary Language Other Than English………………….9
Accommodations for Children of Military Families……………………………………….10
Student Records 10
Directory Information 12
Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes 12
Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education 12
SECTION II: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS 13
ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE 13
Compulsory Attendance 13
Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance 13
Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance 14
Attendance for Credit 14
Official AttendanceTaking Time……………………………………………………….….15
Parent’s Note after an Absence 15
Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness 15
Driver License Attendance Verification 16
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 16
BULLYING 16
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS………………………...17
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 17
CLASS SCHEDULES 18
COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS 18
CONDUCT 19
Applicability of School Rules 19
Cheating……………………………………………………………………………………18
Disruptions 19
Social Events 20
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES / CONDITIONS 20
COUNSELING 20
Academic Counseling 20
Personal Counseling 20
Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment 20
COURSE CREDIT…………………………………………………………………………...21
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course 21
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Not Taken the Course 21
DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION 22
Dating Violence 22
Discrimination 22
Harassment 22
Sexual Harassment 23
Retaliation 23
Reporting Procedures 23
Investigation of Report 24
DISCRIMINATION 24
DISTANCE LEARNING 24
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS 25
School Materials 25
Nonschool Materials...from students 25
Nonschool Materials...from others 25
DRESS AND GROOMING 26
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES……..……………………27
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS………………..29
Standards of Behavior 29
Offices and Elections 30
FEES 30
FIELD TRIPS………………………………………………………………………………....31
FUND-RAISING 31
GANG-FREE ZONES 31
GRADING GUIDELINES 31
HARASSMENT 33
HAZING……………………………………………………………………………………....33
HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS 33
Bacterial Meningitis 33
Food Allergies………………………………………………………………………………33
Physical Activity for Students in Middle School…………………………………………..33
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)…………………………………………………33.
Other Health-Related Matters 35
Physical Fitness Assessment 35
Vending Machines 35
Tobacco Prohibited 36
Asbestos Management Plan 36
Pest Management Plan 36
HOMELESS STUDENTS 36
HOMEWORK 36
IMMUNIZATION 36
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES 37
Questioning of Students 37
Students Taken Into Custody 37
Notification of Law Violations 38
Limited English Proficient Students……………………………………………………….38
MAKEUP WORK 39
Makeup Work Because of Absence 39
DAEP Makeup Work 39
In-school Suspension (ISS) Makeup Work 39
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL 39
Psychotropic Drugs 40
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT 40
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS 41
PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE 41
PRAYER 41
PROMOTION AND RETENTION…………………………………………………………..41
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL 43
REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES 43
RETALIATION 44
SAFETY 44
Accident Insurance 44
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies 44
Emergency Medical Treatment and Information 44
Emergency School-Closing Information 45
SCHOOL DAY………………………………………………………………………….……45
SCHOOL FACILITIES 45
Use by Students Before and After School 45
Conduct Before and After School 45
Use of Hallways During Class Time 46
Cafeteria Services 46
Food Deliveries………………………………………………………………………….....46
Library 46
Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups 47
SEARCHES 47
Students’ Desks and Lockers 47
Electronic Devices………………………………………………………………………….47
Trained Dogs 47
SEXUAL HARASSMENT…………………………………………………………………..47
SPECIAL PROGRAMS 48
STANDARDIZED TESTING………………………………………………………………..48
STAAR (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness……………………………..48
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments for Students in Grades 9–12 49
STEROIDS 50
STUDENTS IN PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF THE STATE………………………………50
STUDENT SPEAKERS 50
SUICIDE AWARENESS……………………………………………………………………..51
SUMMER SCHOOL……………………………...…………………………………………..51
TARDINESS 51
TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, AND TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT 51
TRANSFERS 51
TRANSPORTATION 52
School-Sponsored Trips 52
Buses and Other School Vehicles 52
VANDALISM 52
VIDEO CAMERAS 53
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL 53
General Visitors 53
Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students 53
WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL 53
Glossary 54
APPENDIX I: Acknowledgment Form—Amendment 57
APPENDIX II: Use of Student Work in District Publications 58
PREFACE
To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2012–2013! Education is a team effort, and we know that students, parents, teachers, and other staff members all working together can make this a wonderfully successful year for our students.
The Sunnyvale Middle School Student Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. In an effort to make it easier to use, the handbook is divided into two sections:
Section I—PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES—with information to assist you in responding to school-related issues. We encourage you to take some time to closely review this section of the handbook.
Section II—OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS—organized alphabetically by topic for quick access when searching for information on a specific issue.
Please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents should become familiar with the Sunnyvale ISD Student Code of Conduct, which is a document adopted by the board and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. That document may be found as an attachment to this handbook and posted on the district’s website at .
The Student Handbook is a general reference guide only and is designed to be in harmony with board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that it is not a complete statement of all policies, procedures, or rules that may be applicable in a given circumstance.
In case of conflict between board policy (including the Student Code of Conduct) and any provisions of the Student Handbook, the current provisions of board policy and the Student Code of Conduct are to be followed.
Also, please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy or other rules that affect Student Handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters or other communications. The district reserves the right to modify provisions of the Student Handbook at any time, whenever it is deemed necessary. Notice of any revision or modification will be given as is reasonably practical under the circumstances.
Although the Student Handbook may refer to rights established through law or district policy, the Student Handbook does not create any additional rights for students and parents. It does not, nor is it intended to, create contractual or legal rights between any student or parent and the district.
After reading through the entire handbook with your child, keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or the principal.
Also, please complete and return to your child’s campus the following forms provided in the forms packet accompanying this handbook:
1. Student and Parent Acknowledgment Form;
Student Directory Information and Release of Student Information Form;
Parent’s Objection to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education Form; if you choose to restrict the release of information to these entities; and
Consent/Opt-Out Form
[See Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights on page 4 and Directory Information on page12 for more information.]
Please note that references to policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board policy. A copy of the district’s policy manual is available for review in the school office or online at .
SECTION I: PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This section of the Sunnyvale Middle School Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Working Together
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is good communication and a strong partnership between home and school. Your involvement in this partnership may include:
Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.
Ensuring that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.
Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the district.
Discussing with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.
Reviewing the requirements of the graduation programs with your child once your child begins enrolling in courses that earn high school credit.
Monitoring your child’s academic progress and contacting teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling.
Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 972-226-2922 for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 43.
Becoming a school volunteer. For further information, see policies at GKG and contact Letisha Gunnels at 972-226-2922.
Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: PTA, Raider Pride Booster Club, Sunnyvale Education Foundation
Serving as a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level planning committees, assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact Carmen Ayo 972-226-2922
Serving on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies at BDF, EHAA, FFA, and information in this handbook at School Health Advisory Council on page 33.
Being aware of the school’s ongoing bullying and harassment prevention efforts.
Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the elementary school library.[See policies at BE and BED for more information.]
Parent Involvement Coordinator
The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs is Carmen Ayo and may be contacted at 972-226-2922.
PARENTAL RIGHTS
Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights
Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:
Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.
Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
Sexual behavior or attitudes.
Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.
Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.
Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.
You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see policy EF(LEGAL).]
“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities
As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:
Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.
School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing, selling, or otherwise disclosing that information.
Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law. [See policies EF and FFAA.]
Inspecting Surveys
As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.
Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff
You may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including whether a teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.
Reviewing Instructional Materials
As a parent, you have a right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.
[Also see Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction on page 6 for additional information.]
Displaying a Student’s Artwork, Photos, and Other Original Work
Teachers may display students’ work in classrooms or elsewhere on campus as recognition of student achievement. However, the district will seek parental consent before displaying students’ artwork, special projects, photographs taken by students, and other original works on the district’s Web site, on any campus or classroom website, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass communication.
Accessing Student Records
You may review your child’s student records. These records include:
Attendance records,
Test scores,
Grades,
Disciplinary records,
Counseling records,
Psychological records,
Applications for admission,
Health and immunization information,
Other medical records,
Teacher and counselor evaluations,
Reports of behavioral patterns, and
State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.
[See Student Records on page 10.]
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student
As a parent, you may grant or deny any written request from the district to make a video or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a video or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:
When it is to be used for school safety;
When it relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or
When it relates to media coverage of the school.
Granting Permission to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction
As a parent, if your child is under the age of 14, you must grant permission for your child to receive instruction in the district’s parenting and paternity awareness program or your child will not be allowed to participate in the instruction. This program, developed by the Office of the Texas Attorney General and the State Board of Education (SBOE), is incorporated into the district’s health education classes.
Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom
You may remove your child temporarily from the classroom if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate in conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.
Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction
As a part of the district’s curriculum, students receive instruction related to human sexuality. The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is involved with the selection of course materials for such instruction.
State law requires that any instruction related to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome must:
Present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried persons of school age;
Devote more attention to abstinence from sexual activity than to any other behavior;
Emphasize that abstinence is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity;
Direct adolescents to a standard of behavior in which abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; and
If included in the content of the curriculum, teach contraception and condom use in terms of human use reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates.
In accordance with state law, below is a summary of the district’s curriculum regarding human sexuality instruction:
AIM for Success will present presentations to students and parents. This organization conducts student surveys and provides the district with feedback related to student attitudes and effectiveness of the program.
As a parent, you are entitled to review the curriculum materials. In addition, you may remove your child from any part of the human sexuality instruction with no academic, disciplinary, or other penalties. You may also choose to become more involved with the development of curriculum used for this purpose by becoming a member of the district’s SHAC. Please see the campus nurse for additional information.
Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags
As a parent, you may request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be in writing. State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required minute of silence or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on page 41 and policy EC(LEGAL).]
Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence
You may request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the district determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK(LEGAL).]
Requesting Limited or No Contact with a Student through Electronic Media
Teachers and other approved employees are permitted by the district to communicate with students through the use of electronic media within the scope of the individual’s professional responsibilities. For example, a teacher may set up a social networking page for his or her class that has information related to class work, homework, and tests. As a parent, you are welcome to join or become a member of such a page. An employee described above may also contact a student individually through electronic media to communicate about items such as homework or upcoming tests. If you prefer that your child not receive any one-to-one electronic communications from a district employee or if you have questions related to the use of electronic media by district employees, please contact the campus principal
Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct
A noncustodial parent may request in writing that he or she be provided, for the remainder of the school year, a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to his or her child’s misconduct that may involve placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or expulsion. [See policy FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.]
School Safety Transfers
As a parent, may:
Request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the district to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 37.0832. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the superintendent for information. [See policy FDB.]
Consult with the district administrator if your child has been determined by the district to have engaged in bullying and the district decides to transfer your child to another campus. Transportation is not provided in this circumstance.
[See Bullying on page 16, policy FDB, and policy FFI. ]
Request the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds. [See policy FDE(LOCAL).]
Request the transfer of your child to another campus or a neighboring district if your child has been the victim of a sexual assault by another student assigned to the same campus, whether the assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for that assault. [See policy FDE.]
Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple Birth Siblings
As a parent, if your children are multiple birth siblings (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.) assigned to the same grade and campus, you may request that they be placed either in the same classroom or in separate classrooms. Your written request must be submitted no later than the 14th day after the enrollment of your children. [See policy FDB(LEGAL).]
Parents of Students with Disabilities with Other School-Aged Children in the Home
If a student is receiving special education services at a campus outside his or her attendance zone, the parent or guardian may request that any other student residing in the household be transferred to the same campus, if the appropriate grade level for the transferring student is offered on that campus. [See policy FDB(LOCAL).]
Request for the Use of a Service Animal
A parent of a student who uses a service animal because of the student’s disability must submit a request in writing to the principal at least ten district business days before bringing the service animal on campus.
Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education
If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior support services that are available to all students including a process based on Response to Intervention. The implementation of Response to Intervention has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of school districts to meet the needs of all struggling students.
At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If the evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide informed written consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.
If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of his or her rights if the parent disagrees with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards—Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities.
Additional information regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is available from the school district in a companion document, A Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process.
The following Web sites provide information to those who are seeking information and resources specific to students with disabilities and their families:
• Texas Project First, at
• Partners Resource Network, at
The designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education is Erica Lawless at 972-226-7601 or erica.lawless@.
Parents of Students Who Speak a Primary Language Other than English
A student may be eligible to receive specialized support if his or her primary language is not English, and the student has difficulty performing ordinary class work in English. If the student qualifies for these extra services, the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will determine the types of services the student needs, including accommodations or modifications related to classroom instruction, local assessments, and state-mandated assessments.
Accommodations for Children of Military Families
Children of military families will be provided flexibility regarding certain district requirements, including:
Immunization requirements.
Grade level, course, or educational program placement.
Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities.
Graduation requirements.
In addition, absences related to a student visiting with his or her parent related to leave or deployment activities may be excused by the district. The district will permit no more than 10 excused absences per year for this purpose.
Additional information may be found at .
Student Records
Both federal and state laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and eligible students certain rights of privacy. Before disclosing any personally identifiable information from a student’s records, the district must verify the identity of the person, including a parent or the student, requesting the information. For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.
Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:
The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless the school is given a copy of a court order terminating parental rights or the right to access a student’s education records.
Federal law requires that, as soon as a student becomes 18, is emancipated by a court, or enrolls in a postsecondary institution, control of the records goes to the student. The parents may continue to have access to the records, however, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes and under limited circumstances when there is a threat to the health and safety of the student or other individuals.
District school officials who have what federal law refers to as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. School officials would include trustees and employees, such as the superintendent, administrators, and principals; teachers, counselors, diagnosticians, and support staff; a person or company with whom the district has contracted or allowed to provide a particular service or function (such as an attorney, consultant, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, or volunteer); a parent or student serving on a school committee; or a parent or student assisting a school official in the performance of his or her duties. “Legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records includes working with the student; considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, or an individualized education program for a student with disabilities; compiling statistical data; reviewing an educational record to fulfill the official’s professional responsibility; or investigating or evaluating programs.
Various governmental agencies, including juvenile service providers.
Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.
A school or institution of postsecondary education to which a student seeks or intends to enroll or in which he or she is already enrolled.
Release to any other person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate.
The principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.
Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records.
A parent or eligible student who provides a written request and pays copying costs of ten cents per page may obtain copies. If circumstances prevent inspection during regular school hours and the student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, the district will either provide a copy of the records requested or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review these records. The address of the superintendent’s office is 417 E. Tripp Rd, Sunnyvale, TX 75182.
The address of the principals’ office is: 216 N. Collins Rd, Sunnyvale, TX 75182.
A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. A request to correct a student’s record should be submitted to the principal. The request must clearly identify the part of the record that should be corrected and include an explanation of how the information in the record is inaccurate. If the district denies the request to amend the records, the parent or eligible student has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the parent or eligible student has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process found in policy FNG(LOCAL). A grade issued by a classroom teacher can be changed only if, as determined by the board of trustees, the grade is arbitrary, erroneous, or inconsistent with the district’s grading policy. [See FINALITY OF GRADES at FNG(LEGAL), Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 43 and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns on page 18 for an overview of the process.]
The district’s policy regarding student records found at FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL) is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s web site at .
The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records do not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records—such as a teacher’s personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.
Please note:
Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The complaint may be mailed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Directory Information
The law permits the district to designate certain personal information about students as “directory information.” This “directory information” will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.
However, release of a student’s directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of your child’s first day of instruction for this school year. [See the “Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information” included in the forms packet.]
Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes
The district often needs to use student information for the following school-sponsored purposes: yearbook, school newspaper, honor roll, printed programs for extracurricular activities, and other district publications and announcements.
For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use your child’s: name, address; telephone listing; electronic email address; photograph; date and place of birth; major field of study; degrees, honors, and awards received; dates of attendance; grade level; most recent educational institution attended; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; and weight and height of members of athletic teams. This information will not be used for other purposes without the consent of the parent or eligible student, except as described above at Directory Information.
Unless you object to the use of your child’s information for these limited purposes, the school will not need to ask your permission each time the district wishes to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed above.
Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education
The district is required by federal law to comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the district not to release their child’s information without prior written consent. A form has been attached for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.
SECTION II: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Topics in this section of the handbook contain important information on academics, school activities, and school operations and requirements. Take a moment with your child to become familiar with the various issues addressed in this section. It is organized in alphabetical order to serve as a quick-reference when you or your child has a question about a specific school-related issue. Should you be unable to find the information on a particular topic, please contact Carmen Ayo at 972-226-2922.
ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her education—to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two state laws—one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit—are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below.
If a student is absent, the parent must call the school by 10:00a.m. each day the student is absent to report the absence.
Compulsory Attendance
State law requires that a student between the ages of six and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 18th birthday is required to attend each school day until the end of the school year and may be subject to compulsory attendance laws, if the student is under 21 years old. In addition, if a student 18 or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing. [See policy FEA.]
Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance
State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for several types of absences if the student makes up all work. These include the following activities and events:
Religious holy days;
Required court appearances;
Activities related to obtaining United States citizenship;
Service as an election clerk; and
Documented health-care appointments, including absences for recognized services for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. A note from the health-care provider must be submitted upon the student’s return to campus.
In addition, a junior or senior student’s absence of up to two days related to visiting a college or university will be considered an exemption, provided the student receives approval from the campus principal, follows the campus procedures to verify such a visit, and makes up any work missed.
Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance
School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school; from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction, termed “accelerated instruction” by the state; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action.
A court of law may also impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student:
Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or
Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.
For a student younger than 12 years of age, the student’s parent could be charged with a criminal offense based on the student’s failure to attend school.
If a student age 12 through age 17 violates the compulsory attendance law, both the parent and student could be charged with a criminal offense.
If a student is age 18 or older, the student may be subject to penalties as a result of the student’s violation of the state compulsory attendance law.
[See policy FEA(LEGAL).]
Attendance for Credit
To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. A student who attends at least 75 percent but fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may receive credit for the class if he or she completes a plan, approved by the principal, which allows the student to fulfill the instructional requirements for the class. If a student is involved in a criminal or juvenile court proceeding, the approval of the judge presiding over the case will also be required before the student receives credit for the class.
If a student attends less than 75 percent of the days a class is offered or has not completed the plan approved by the principal, then the student will be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit, if appropriate. [See policy FEC.]
In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guidelines:
All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences for the reasons listed above at Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance will be considered days of attendance for this purpose.
A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enrolled in the district.
In reaching a decision about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that it is in the best interest of the student.
The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s absences.
The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or the student’s parent could exercise any control.
The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.
The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the committee about the absences and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit.
The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the board of trustees by filing a written request with the superintendent in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).
The actual number of days a student must be in attendance in order to receive credit will depend on whether the class is for a full semester or for a full year.
Official Attendance-Taking Time
The district must submit attendance of its students toTexas Education Agency (TEA) reflecting attendance at a specific time each day. Official attendance is taken every day at the beginning of second period. A student absent for any portion of the day, including at the official attendance-taking time, should follow the procedures below.
Parent’s Note after an Absence
When a student must be absent from school, the student—upon returning to school—must bring a note signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older.
Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness
Upon return to school, a student absent for more than three consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school.
Should the student develop a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance committee may require a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s absence from school.
[See policy FEC(LOCAL).]
Driver License Attendance Verification
For a student between the ages of 16 and 18 to obtain a driver license, written parental permission must be provided for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to access the student’s attendance records and, in certain circumstances, for a school administrator to provide the student’s attendance information to DPS.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The school counselor provides students and parents information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices. [For more information, see Academic Counseling on page 19 of this handbook and policies at EIF.]
BULLYING
Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic methods, or physical conduct against another student on school property, at a school-sponsored or -related activity, or in a district operated vehicle, and the behavior:
■ Results in harm to the student or the student’s property,
■ Places a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or of damage to the student’s property, or
■ Is so severe, persistent, and pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment.
This conduct is considered bullying if it exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator(s) and the student victim and if it interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of the school.
Bullying is prohibited by the district and could include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name-calling, rumor-spreading, or ostracism. In some cases, bullying can occur through electronic methods, called “cyberbullying.”
If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or has witnessed bullying of another student, it is important for the student or parent to notify a teacher, counselor, principal, or another district employee as soon as possible to obtain assistance
and intervention. The administration will investigate any allegations of bullying
or other related misconduct.
If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying has occurred, the administration will take appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary or other action may be taken even if the conduct did not rise to the level of bullying. The district will also contact the parents of the victim and of the student who was found to have engaged in the bullying.
Available counseling options will be provided to these individuals, as well as to any students who have been identified as witnesses to the bullying.
Any retaliation against a student who reports an incident of bullying is prohibited.
The principal may, in response to an identified case of bullying, decide to transfer a student found to have engaged in bullying to another classroom at the campus. In consultation with the student’s parent, the student may also be transferred to another campus in the district.
The parent of a student who has been determined by the district to be a victim of bullying may request that his or her child be transferred to another classroom or campus within the district.
[Also see School Safety Transfers on page 8.]
A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office, superintendent’s office, and on the district’s Web site. A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation may appeal through policy FNG(LOCAL). [Also see Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page 22, School Safety Transfers on page 8, Hazing on page 33, and policy FFI(LOCAL), and the district improvement plan, a copy of which can be viewed in the campus office.]
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS
The district offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Business Management and Administration, Education and Training, Finance, Health Science, and Career Development. Admission to these programs is based on grade level, successful completion of prerequisite courses, and schedule availability.
Sunnyvale ISD will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and CTE programs. [Also see Nondiscrimination Statement on page 40 for additional information regarding the district’s efforts regarding participation in these programs.]
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
The district has established a plan for addressing child sexual abuse and other maltreatment of children which may be accessed at the district website at . As a parent, it is important for you to be aware of warning signs that could indicate a child may have been or is being sexually abused. Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct with a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law, for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS).
Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could be difficulty sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas, and claims of stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral indicators may include verbal references or pretend games of sexual activity between adults and children, fear of being alone with adults of a particular gender, or sexually suggestive behavior. Emotional warning signs to be aware of include withdrawal, depression, sleeping and eating disorders, and problems in school.
A child who has experienced sexual abuse should be encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. Be aware as a parent or other trusted adult that disclosures of sexual abuse may be more indirect than disclosures of physical abuse, and it is important to be calm and comforting if your child, or another child, confides in you. Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you.
As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse, the campus counselor or principal will provide information regarding counseling options for you and your child available in your area. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) also manages early intervention counseling programs. To find out what services may be available in your county, see
Your_County/default.asp.
The following Web sites might help you become more aware of child sexual abuse:
Reports may be made to:
The Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (1-800-252-5400 or on the Web at ).
CLASS SCHEDULES
All students are expected to attend school for the entire school day and maintain a class/course schedule to fulfill each period of the day. Exceptions may be made occasionally by the campus principal for students in grades 9–12 who meet specific criteria and receive parental consent to enroll in less than a full-day’s schedule.
Every attempt will be made to schedule the student into the course he/she chooses. Once a student has registered, no schedule changes are to be made except in the case where an error has been made in scheduling to equalize the teacher’s load. Requests to change schedules because a subject is difficult or because a student wishes to change teachers will not be allowed except when deemed necessary by the campus principal.
All schedule change requests must be initiated by the student with the school counselor. Until the counselor has officially changed the schedule and both the student and teachers have been notified, the student is required to attend all classes on the original schedule.
No student is to leave class to change his or her schedule unless called by the office.
Valid Criteria for Schedule Changes
• The student is misplaced in a course – no prerequisites, previously earned credit, etc.
• The school may change student schedules in order to balance class sizes or to accommodate teacher workloads.
COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the district has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at .
In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If the concern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to the superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provides for the complaint to be presented to the board of trustees.
CONDUCT
Applicability of School Rules
As required by law, the board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and defines standards of acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences for violation of these standards. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents should be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.
Cheating
Copying another person’s work, such as homework, class work, tests, or projects, is a form of cheating. Allowing one’s own work to be copied also is a form of cheating. Plagiarism, which is the use of another person’s original ideas, work, or writing without giving credit to the true author, will also be considered cheating, and the student will be subject to academic disciplinary action that may include loss of credit for the work in question. Teachers who have reason to believe that a student has engaged in cheating or other academic dishonesty will assess the academic penalty to be imposed. Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary penalties as well, according to the Student Code of Conduct. [See EIA (LOCAL)].
Disruptions
Disruptions of school operations are not tolerated and may constitute a misdemeanor offense. As identified by law, disruptions include the following:
• Interference with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district building without authorization from an administrator.
• Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.
• Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly.
• Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.
• Interference with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to district property.
• Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving district property without authorization from an administrator.
• Disruption of classes or other school activities while on district property or on public property that is within 500 feet of district property. Class disruption includes making loud noises; trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane language or any misconduct.
• Interference with the transportation of students in vehicles owned or operated by the district.
Social Events
School rules apply to all school social events. Guests attending these events are expected to observe the same rules as students, and a student inviting a guest will share responsibility for the conduct of his or her guest.
Students or guests leaving before the official end of the event will not be readmitted.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES / CONDITIONS
To protect other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. If a parent suspects that his or her child has a contagious disease, the parent should contact the school nurse or principal so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted.
The school nurse or the principal’s office can provide information from the Department of State Health Services regarding these diseases.
COUNSELING
Academic Counseling
Students and their parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn more about course offerings, graduation requirements, and early graduation procedures. Each spring, students in grades 8 through 12 will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next school year and other information that will help them make the most of academic and CTE opportunities.
To plan for the future, each student should work closely with the counselor in order to enroll in the high school courses that best prepare him or her for attendance at a college, university, or training school, or for pursuit of some other type of advanced education. The counselor can also provide information about entrance exams and application deadlines, as well as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.
Personal Counseling
The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. A student who wishes to meet with the counselor should contact the counselor’s office to set an appointment.
Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment
The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.
[For more information, refer to policies EHBAA(LEGAL), FFE(LEGAL), and FFG(EXHIBIT).]
COURSE CREDIT
A student in grades 9–12 will earn credit for a course only if the final grade is 70 or above. For a two-semester (1 credit) course, the student’s grades from both semesters will be averaged and credit will be awarded if the combined average is 70 or above. Should the student’s combined average be less than 70, the student will be required to retake the semester in which he or she failed.
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course
A student who has previously taken a course or subject—but did not receive credit for it—may, in circumstances determined by the principal, or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills defined for that course or subject. Prior instruction may include, for example, incomplete coursework due to a failed course or excessive absences, homeschooling or coursework by a student transferring from a nonaccredited school.
The counselor or principal would determine if the student could take an exam for this purpose. If approval is granted, the student must score at least 70 on the exam to receive credit for the course or subject.
The attendance review committee may also offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passing an exam.
[For further information, see the counselor and policy EHDB(LOCAL).]
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Not Taken the Course
A student will be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has had no prior instruction or to accelerate to the next grade level. The dates on which exams are scheduled during the 2012-2013 school year include:
Dates Scheduled:
December 18, 2012
December 19, 2012
December 20, 2012
May 29, 2013
May 30. 2013
May 31, 2013
A student will earn course credit with a passing score of at least 90 on the exam. A student in elementary school will be eligible to accelerate to the next grade level if the student scores at least 90 on each exam in the subject areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The district may or may not choose to honor a request by a parent to administer a test on a date other than the published dates. If the district agrees to administer a test other than the one chosen by the district, the student’s parent will be responsible for the cost of the exam. [For further information, see policy EHDC(LOCAL).]
DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION
The district believes that all students learn best in an environment free from dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and that their welfare is best served when they are free from this prohibited conduct while attending school. Students are expected to treat other students and district employees with courtesy and respect, to avoid behaviors known to be offensive, and to stop those behaviors when asked or told to stop. District employees are expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.
The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. [See policy FFH.]
Dating Violence
Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control the other person in the relationship. Dating violence also occurs when a person commits these acts against a person in a marriage or dating relationship with the individual who is or was once in a marriage or dating relationship with the person committing the offense. This type of conduct is considered harassment if the conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance.
Examples of dating violence against a student may include, but are not limited to, physical or sexual assaults, name-calling, put-downs, threats to hurt the student or the student’s family members or members of the student’s household, destroying property belonging to the student, threats to commit suicide or homicide if the student ends the relationship, threats to harm a student’s current dating partner, attempts to isolate the student from friends and family, stalking, or encouraging others to engage in these behaviors.
Discrimination
Discrimination is defined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law, that negatively affects the student.
Harassment
Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office or on the district’s .
Examples of harassment may include, but are not limited to, offensive or derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for accommodation; threatening or intimidating conduct; offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.
Two types of harassments are described below:
Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Harassment
Sexual harassment and gender-based harassment of a student by an employee, volunteer, or another student are prohibited.
Examples of sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to, touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advances; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact.
Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature. However, romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual relationships, between students and district employees are prohibited, even if consensual.
Gender-based harassment includes harassment based on a student’s gender, expression by the student of stereotypical characteristics associated with the student’s gender, or the student’s failure to conform to stereotypical behavior related to gender. Examples of gender-based harassment directed against a student, regardless of the student’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, may include, but not be limited to, offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; threatening or intimidating conduct; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.
Retaliation
Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith report of discrimination or harassment, including dating violence, is prohibited. Retaliation against a person who is participating in an investigation of alleged discrimination or harassment is also prohibited. A person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline.
Retaliation against a student might occur when a student receives threats from another student or an employee or when an employee imposes an unjustified punishment or unwarranted grade reduction.
Reporting Procedures
Any student who believes that he or she has experienced dating violence, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should immediately report the problem to a teacher, counselor, principal, or other district employee. The report may be made by the student’s parent. See policy FFH(LOCAL) for the appropriate district officials to whom to make a report.
Investigation of Report
To the extent possible, the district will respect the privacy of the student; however, limited disclosures may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and to comply with law. Allegations of prohibited conduct, which includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be promptly investigated.
The district will promptly notify the parents of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited conduct involving an adult associated with the district. In the event alleged prohibited conduct involves another student, the district will notify the parents of the student alleged to have experienced the prohibited conduct when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by policy.
During the course of an investigation, the district may take interim action to address the alleged prohibited conduct.
When an investigation is initiated for alleged prohibited conduct, the district will determine whether the allegations, if proven, would constitute bullying as defined by law. If so, an investigation of bullying will also be conducted. [See policy FFI.]
If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred, appropriate disciplinary action, and in some cases, corrective action will be taken to address the conduct. The district may take disciplinary and corrective action even if the conduct that is the subject of the complaint was not unlawful.
A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).
DISCRIMINATION
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page22.]
DISTANCE LEARNING
Distance learning and correspondence courses include courses that encompass the state-required essential knowledge and skills but are taught through multiple technologies and alternative methodologies such as mail, satellite, Internet, video-conferencing, and instructional television.
The Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) has been established as one method of distance learning. A student has the option, with certain limitations, to enroll in a course offered through the TxVSN to earn course credit for graduation. In limited circumstances, a student in grade 8 may also be eligible to enroll in a course through the TxVSN.
Depending on the TxVSN course in which a student enrolls, the course may be subject to the “no pass, no play” rules. [Also see Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations on page 29.] In addition, for a student who enrolls in a TxVSN course for which an end-of-course (EOC) assessment is required, the student must still take the corresponding EOC assessment and the requirements related to the incorporation of the EOC score into the student’s final course grade and the implications of these assessments on graduation apply to the same extent as they apply to traditional classroom instruction
If you have questions or wish to make a request that your child be enrolled in a TxVSN course, please contact the counselor.
If a student wishes to enroll in a correspondence course or a distance learning course that is not provided through the TxVSN in order to earn credit in a course or subject, the student must receive permission from the principal prior to enrolling in the course or subject. If the student does not receive prior approval, the district will not recognize and apply the course or subject toward graduation requirements or subject mastery.
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS
School Materials
Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with the prior approval of the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters, brochures, flyers, etc.
The school newspaper, newsletter, and the yearbook are available to students.
All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal.
[See Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes on page12.]
Nonschool Materials...from students
Students must obtain prior approval from the principal before posting, circulating, or distributing more than 25 copies of written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed under the oversight of the school. To be considered, any nonschool material must include the name of the sponsoring person or organization. The decision regarding approval will be made within two school days.
The principal has designated the principal’s office as the location for approved nonschool materials to be placed for voluntary viewing by students. [See policies at FNAA.]
A student may appeal a principal’s decision in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any student who posts nonschool material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without the principal’s approval will be removed.
Nonschool Materials...from others
Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the district or by a district-affiliated school-support organization will not be sold, circulated, distributed, or posted on any district premises by any district employee or by persons or groups not associated with the district, except as permitted by policy GKDA. To be considered for distribution, any nonschool material must meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or organization, and be submitted to the principal for prior review. The principal will approve or reject the materials within two school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may appeal a rejection in accordance with the appropriate district complaint policy. [See policies at DGBA, FNG, or GF.]
Prior review will not be required for:
Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a school-sponsored meeting intended for adults and held after school hours.
Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a community group meeting held after school hours in accordance with policy GKD(LOCAL) or a noncurriculum-related student group meeting held in accordance with FNAB(LOCAL).
Distribution for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in accordance with state law.
All nonschool materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from district property immediately following the event at which the materials are distributed.
DRESS AND GROOMING
The district’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards. Students and parents may determine a student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the following:
Clothing containing violent, offensive, or inappropriate slogans or symbols and other suggestive or controversial designs is not allowed.
Clothing and other articles that are considered “gang related” are not allowed.
Startling, unusual, or immodest attire of any sort is not permitted. This includes fads in hairstyles, clothing or anything designed to attract attention to the individual or to disrupt the orderly conduct of the classroom or campus.
Hair should be clean and well groomed. Unusual coloring or excessive hairstyles are prohibited. Excessive styles not allowed include (not an exhaustive list): tails, designs, spikes, Mohawks, puffs, etc.
Hats, scarves, bandanas, hair coverings, sweatbands are not to be worn by students except under circumstances approved by the principal.
Hoods are not to be worn on the head inside of the building.
Nose rings, eyebrow rings, tongue rings, or any type of body piercing is not allowed except for earrings for girls.
Visible tattoos, body art and branding are not allowed.
Decorations on teeth are not to be worn.
Extremely baggy clothing is not permitted. Pants, shorts, etc. are not to be worn below the waistline.
Excessively torn, ripped, frayed, or cut clothing will not be allowed.
Shorts and skirts must be fingertip length or longer. Cutoffs, boxer shorts, wind shorts, running shorts, bike shorts, pajama bottoms or tops, swim shorts, short leggings as outer garmets, etc. will not be allowed.
Apparel that is too tight or too short to prevent modesty will not be allowed.
All clothing must be appropriately sized.
Students must wear appropriate shoes at all times. House shoes, beach shoes, shower shoes, slippers are not considered to be appropriate. Taps, metal plates, cleats, or wheels on shoes will not be permitted.
Boys Additional Guidelines
• Hair should be above the eyebrows in front, not to extend below the earlobes, and should not extend over the top of the collar of a dress shirt in back. No ponytails (regardless of its placement on the head) are allowed.
• No facial hair is allowed. Sideburns are not to extend below the earlobe. “Muttonchops” or other excessive sideburn styles are not allowed.
• Ear piercings of any type are prohibited.
• Shirts must have sleeves.
Girls Additional Guidelines
• Low-cut apparel is not allowed.
• Sufficient undergarments must be worn.
• Slits in skirts must meet fingertip length requirement.
• Clothing designed with shoulder straps on shirts less than 11/2 inches wide, bare midriffs, halters or bare backs are unacceptable.
Enforcement Procedures
Dress code infractions will be determined by the principal If the principal determines that a dress code infraction exists, the students will be given the opportunity to correct the problem at school. If not corrected, the student will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile Telephones
For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess personal mobile telephones; however, these devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing, unless they are being used for approved instructional purposes. A student must have approval to possess other telecommunications devices such as netbooks, laptops, tablets, or other portable computers.
The use of mobile telephones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event.
If a student uses a telecommunications device without authorization during the school day, the device will be confiscated. The student may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from the principal’s office for a fee of $15 not earlier than before or after school on the following day.
Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or the student’s parents will be disposed of after the notice required by law. [See policy FNCE.]
In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal telecommunications device may be searched by authorized personnel. [See Searches on page 47 and policy FNF.]
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district will not be responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.
Possession and Use of Other Personal Electronic Devices
Except as described below, students are not permitted to possess or use personal electronic devices such as MP3 players, video or audio recorders, DVD players, cameras, games, e-readers, or other electronic devices at school, unless prior permission has been obtained. Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pick up the items.
In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal electronic device may be searched by authorized personnel. [See Searches on page 47 and policy FNF.]
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district will not be responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device.
Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices
In some cases, students may find it beneficial or might be encouraged to use personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional purposes while on campus. Students must obtain prior approval before using personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional use. Students must also sign a user agreement that contains applicable rules for use (separate from this handbook). When students are not using the devices for approved instructional purposes, all devices must be turned off during the instructional day. Violations of the user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Acceptable Use of District Technology Resources
To prepare students for an increasingly technological society, the district has made an investment in the use of district-owned technology resources for instructional purposes; specific resources may be issued individually to students. Use of these technological resources, which include the district’s network systems and use of district equipment, is restricted to approved purposes only. Students and parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these district resources. Violations of the user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of Technology Resources
Students are prohibited from possessing, sending, forwarding, posting, accessing, or displaying electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition also applies to conduct off school property, whether the equipment used to send such messages is district-owned or personally owned, if it results in a substantial disruption to the educational environment. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, possessing, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or other content, commonly referred to as “sexting,” will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct, may be required to complete an educational program related to the dangers of this type of behavior, and in certain circumstances, may be reported to law enforcement. Because engaging in this type of behavior can lead to bullying or harassment, as well as possibly impede future endeavors of a student, we encourage you to review with your child , a state-developed program that addresses the consequences of engaging on inappropriate behavior using technology.
In addition, any student who engages in conduct that results in a breach of the district’s computer security will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, and, in some cases, the consequence may rise to the level of expulsion.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Participation in school-sponsored activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.
Eligibility for initial and continuing participation in many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing interdistrict competition. If a student is involved in an academic, athletic, or music activity governed by UIL, the student and parent are expected to know and follow all rules of the UIL organization. [See for additional information.]
The following requirements apply to all extracurricular activities:
A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class—other than an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course; or an honors or dual credit course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or language other than English—may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks.
A student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least three school weeks.
An ineligible student may practice or rehearse.
A student is allowed an unlimited number of absences for extracurricular activities.
An absence for participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence.
Standards of Behavior
Sponsors of student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may establish standards of behavior—including consequences for misbehavior—that are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct or by local policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization’s standards of behavior.
Offices and Elections
Certain clubs, organizations, and performing groups will hold elections for student officers.
FEES
Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state and local funds at no charge to a student. A student, however, is expected to provide his or her own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including:
Costs for materials for a class project that the student will keep.
Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission fees to extracurricular activities.
Security deposits.
Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.
Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation announcements, etc.
Voluntarily purchased student accident insurance.
Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance, when uniforms are provided by the district.
Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student.
Parking fees and student identification cards.
Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.
Fees for driver training courses, if offered.
Fees for optional courses offered for credits that require use of facilities not available on district premises.
Summer school for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year.
A reasonable fee for providing transportation to a student who lives within two miles of the school. [See Buses and Other School Vehicles on page52.]
A fee not to exceed $50 for costs of providing an educational program outside of regular school hours for a student who has lost credit because of absences and whose parent chooses the program in order for the student to meet the 90 percent attendance requirement. The fee will be charged only if the parent or guardian signs a district-provided request form.
In some cases, a fee for a course taken through the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN).
Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay. Application for such a waiver may be made to the superintendent. [For further information, see policies at FP.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips may be taken as part of the curriculum for classes. Students are responsible for following school guidelines for discipline and behavior while attending field trips.
Teachers have the discretion to prohibit students from attending a class field trip based on the student’s disciplinary history during the school year.
FUND-RAISING
Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission must be made to the principal at least 21 days before the event. [For further information, see policies at FJ and GE.]
GANG-FREE ZONES
Certain criminal offenses, including those involving organized criminal activity such as gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next highest category of offense if they are committed in a gang-free zone. For purposes of the district, a gang-free zone includes a school bus and a location in, on, or within 1,000 feet of any district-owned or leased property or campus playground.
GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page 22.]
GRADING GUIDELINES
Please see the student handbook appendix for details.
Grading guidelines for each grade level or course will be communicated and distributed to students and their parents by the classroom teacher. These guidelines have been reviewed by each applicable curriculum department and have been approved by the campus principal. These guidelines establish the minimum number of assignments, projects, and examinations required for each grading period. In addition, these guidelines establish how the student’s mastery of concepts and achievement will be communicated (i.e., letter grades, numerical averages, checklist of required skills, etc.). Grading guidelines also outline in what circumstances a student will be allowed to redo an assignment or retake an examination for which the student originally made a failing grade. Procedures for a student to follow after an absence will also be addressed.
State law requires a student’s score on an end-of-course (EOC) exam to count 15% of the student’s final grade for the course. For middle school students this would only count for Algebra 1.
Also see Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 43for additional information.
Semester Examinations
Semester exams count as 15% of the semester average. No student will be allowed to take their exams early. If a student knows that they will miss an exam, they should make arrangements with the teacher and the campus administrator to make up the exam.
Exemption Policy
All students in grades 7 and 8 will take fall semester exams in their core courses (Math, Science, Social Studies, and English). This will help in preparation and assessment of progress as we implement End of Course testing.
Students in the 8th grade are eligible for an exemption in Algebra 1 in the Spring Semester only.
In order to qualify for an exemption, the student must meet minimum standards in three areas:
1. Academic Performance
2. Attendance
3. Citizenship
Academic Performance/Attendance
A sliding scale will be used with academic performance and attendance to determine eligibility for exemption in each class.
|Core Courses (spring semester only) | |Non-Core Courses (fall and spring semesters) |
|Final Average |Total Absences for Year | |Semester Average |Total Absences for Semester |
|80 or higher |0 | |80 or higher |0 |
|85 or higher |2 | |85 or higher |1 |
|90 or higher |4 | |90 or higher |2 |
|95 or higher |6 | |95 or higher |3 |
Note: Absences for exemption purposes include both excused and unexcused absences. Religious, medical, required court appearances and college days will not be considered for exemptions.
Citizenship
Any assignment to In-School Suspension, Out-of School Suspension, Saturday School, or DAEP during the year will make that student ineligible for exemptions in all classes.
Note: Absences for exemption purposes include both excused and unexcused absences. Religious, medical, required court appearances and college days will not be considered for exemptions.
Citizenship
Any assignment to In-School Suspension, Out-of School Suspension, Saturday School, or DAEP during the semester will make that student ineligible for exemptions in all classes.
HARASSMENT
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page 22.]
HAZING
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or the safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated to, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include other students.
Hazing will not be tolerated by the district. If an incident of hazing occurs, disciplinary consequences will be handled in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. It is a criminal offense if a person engages in hazing; solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in hazing; or has firsthand knowledge of an incident of hazing being planned or having occurred and fails to report this to the principal or superintendent.
[Also see Bullying on page 16 and policies FFI and FNCC.]
HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS
Bacterial Meningitis
State law specifically requires the district to provide the following information:
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
What are the symptoms?
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.
How serious is bacterial meningitis?
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.
How is bacterial meningitis spread?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).
The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.
How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.
While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.
What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?
You should seek prompt medical attention.
Where can you get more information?
Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Department of State Health Services office to ask about a meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the Web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, , and the Department of State Health Services, .
*Please note that, although the state literature required to be distributed by school districts has not yet been revised, entering college students must now show, with limited exception, evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination prior to taking courses at an institution of higher education. Please see the school nurse for more information, as this may affect a student who wishes to enroll in a dual credit course taken off campus.
Also, refer to immunization, below, for more information.
Food Allergies
The district requests to be notified when a student has been diagnosed with a food allergy, especially those allergies that could result in dangerous or possibly life-threatening reactions either by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with the particular food. It is important to disclose the food to which the student is allergic, as well as the nature of the allergic reaction. Please contact the school nurse or campus principal if your child has a known food allergy or as soon as possible after any diagnosis of a food allergy.
Physical Activity for Students in Middle School
In accordance with policies at EHAB, EHAC, and FFA, the district will ensure that students in 5th grade engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day or 135 minutes per week. Students in 6th – 8th grade shall engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day for at least four semesters or 225 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity within each two-week period for at least four semesters.
For additional information on the district’s requirements and programs regarding student physical activity requirements, please see the principal.
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
The duties of the SHAC range from recommending curriculum to developing strategies for integrating curriculum into a coordinated school health program encompassing school health services, counseling services, a safe and healthy school environment, recess recommendations, and employee wellness. See policies at BDF and EHAA. The SHAC Committee meets three times a year.
[See Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction on page 6 for additional information.]
OTHER HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS
Physical Fitness Assessment
Annually, the district will conduct a physical fitness assessment of students in grades 3–12 who are enrolled in a physical education course or a course for which physical education credit is awarded. At the end of the school year, a parent may submit a written request to campus Stacy Bellows to obtain the results of his or her child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year.
Vending Machines
The district has adopted policies and implemented procedures to comply with state and federal food service guidelines for restricting student access to vending machines. For more information regarding these policies and guidelines see the campus principal. [See policies at CO and FFA.]
Tobacco Prohibited
The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policies at FNCD and GKA.]
Asbestos Management Plan
The district works diligently to maintain compliance with federal and state law governing asbestos in school buildings. A copy of the district’s Asbestos Management Plan is available in the superintendent’s office. If you have any questions, please contact Ron Hounsel at 972-203-4756.
Pest Management Plan
The district is required to follow integrated pest management (IPM) procedures to control pests on school grounds. Although the district strives to use the safest and most effective methods to manage pests, including a variety of non-chemical control measures, pesticide use is sometimes necessary to maintain adequate pest control and ensure a safe, pest-free school environment.
All pesticides used are registered for their intended use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and are applied only by certified pesticide applicators. Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before indoor application. All outdoor applications will be posted at the time of treatment, and signs will remain until it is safe to enter the area. Parents who want to be notified prior to pesticide application inside their child’s school assignment area may contact Ron Hounsel at 972-203-4756.
HOMELESS STUDENTS
For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths, Glenda McMahan, at 972-203-4702.
HOMEWORK
At Sunnyvale, homework is considered an essential part of a student’s educational experience. An appropriate amount of homework is encouraged. If homework is not completed within the time designated by the teacher, late penalties may apply.
IMMUNIZATION
A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. This form may be obtained by writing the TDSHS Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347; or online at .
dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. The form must be notarized and submitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a separate form must be provided for each student.
The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis (polio), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), and meningococcal. The school nurse can provide information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-validated history of illness required by theTDSHS. Proof of immunization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.
If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the student or a member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a life-long condition. [For further information, see policy FFAB(LEGAL) and the TDSHS Web site:
school/default.shtm.]
As noted above at Bacterial Meningitis, entering college students must now, with limited exception, furnish evidence of having received a bacterial meningitis vaccination prior to attending classes at an institution of higher education. A student wanting to enroll in a dual credit course taken off campus may be subject to this requirement.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Questioning of Students
When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school, the principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation. In other circumstances:
The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school.
The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the parents unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.
The principal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.
Students Taken Into Custody
State law requires the district to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:
To comply with an order of the juvenile court.
To comply with the laws of arrest.
By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision.
By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a condition of probation imposed by the juvenile court.
By an authorized representative of Child Protective Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a law enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation officer, without a court order, under the conditions set out in the Family Code relating to the student’s physical health or safety.
To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.
Before a student is released to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the principal will verify the officer’s identity and, to the best of his or her ability, will verify the official’s authority to take custody of the student.
The principal will immediately notify the superintendent and will ordinarily attempt to notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a student’s release to a law enforcement officer, any notification will most likely be after the fact.
Notification of Law Violations
The district is required by state law to notify:
All instructional and support personnel who have responsibility for supervising a student who has been taken into custody, arrested or referred to the juvenile court for any felony offense or for certain misdemeanors.
All instructional and support personnel who have regular contact with a student who is thought to have committed certain an offense or who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or was adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony offense or certain misdemeanors.
All appropriate district personnel in regards to a student who is required to register as a sex offender.
[For further information, see policies FL(LEGAL) and GRA(LEGAL).]
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS
A student with limited English proficiency (LEP) is entitled to receive specialized services from the district. To determine whether the student qualifies for services, a Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will be formed, which will consist of both district personnel and at least one parent representative. The student’s parent must consent to any services recommended by the LPAC for a LEP student.
In order to determine a student’s level of proficiency in English, the LPAC will use information from a variety of assessments. If the student qualifies for services and once a level of proficiency has been established, the LPAC will then designate instructional accommodations or additional special programs the student will require to eventually become proficient at grade level work in English. Ongoing assessments will be conducted to determine a student’s continued eligibility for the program.
The LPAC will also determine whether certain accommodations are necessary for any state-mandated assessments. The STAAR-L, as mentioned at Standardized Testing, below, may be administered to a LEP student, or, for a student up to grade 5, a Spanish version of the STAAR. In limited circumstances, a student’s LPAC may waive certain graduation requirements related to the English I and II end-of-course (EOC) assessments. The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) will also be administered to LEP students who qualify for services.
If a student is considered LEP and receives special education services because of a qualifying disability, the student’s ARD committee will make these decisions in conjunction with the LPAC.
MAKEUP WORK
Makeup Work Because of Absence
For any class missed, the teacher may assign the student makeup work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in meeting subject or course requirements.
A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher.
A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
A student will be permitted to make up tests and to turn in projects due in any class missed because of absence. Teachers may assign a late penalty to any long-term project in accordance with time lines approved by the principal and previously communicated to students.
DAEP Makeup Work
A student removed to a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to complete, before the beginning of the next school year, a foundation curriculum course in which the student was enrolled at the time of removal. The district may provide the opportunity to complete the course through an alternative method, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school. The district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy FOCA(LEGAL).]
In-school Suspension (ISS) Makeup Work
A student removed from the regular classroom to in-school suspension or another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before the beginning of the next school year each course the student was enrolled in at the time of removal from the regular classroom. The district may provide the opportunity by any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school. The district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy FO(LEGAL).]
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL
District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:
Only authorized employees, in accordance with policies at FFAC, may administer:
Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.
Prescription medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.
Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.
Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.
In certain emergency situations, the district will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only:
In accordance with the guidelines developed with the district’s medical advisor; and
When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the district’s form.
A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and to the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication.
If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse or principal.
In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information. [See policy FFAF(LEGAL).]
Psychotropic Drugs
A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.
Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate. [For further information, see policies at FFAC.]
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, Sunnyvale ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including CTE programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, which incorporates and expands upon the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The following district representatives have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements:
Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of gender: Superintendent Doug Williams, 417 E. Tripp Road, Sunnyvale, TX 75182, 972.226.5974.
ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Superintendent Doug Williams, 417 E. Tripp Road, Sunnyvale, TX 75182, 972.226.5974.
All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent Doug Williams, 417 E. Tripp Road, Sunnyvale, TX 75182, 972.226.5974.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS
A student desiring to participate in the UIL athletic program shall submit a statement from a health care provider authorized under UIL rules indicating that the student has been examined and is physically able to participate in the athletic program. This examination is required in the first year of middle school competition and the first and third years of high school competition. In other years, the student shall complete a medical appraisal form. A student may be required to have a physical examination based on answers to the appraisal form.
PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE
Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the principal to excuse their child from reciting a pledge. [See Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags on page7.]
One minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or distract others. [See policy EC(LEGAL) for more information.]
PRAYER
Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the school. The school will not encourage, require, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level, the recommendation of the student’s teacher, the score received on any criterion-referenced or state-mandated assessment, and any other necessary academic information as determined by the district. To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards.
In considering academic achievement, promotion to the next grade level is based on an overall average of 70 on a scale of 100 based on course-level, grade-level standards (essential knowledge and skills) for all subject areas and a grade of 70 or above in three of the following areas: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
In addition, at certain grade levels a student—with limited exceptions—will be required to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any day between January 1 and the date of the first administration of the STAAR.*
• In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 5 assessment in English or Spanish.
• In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 8 assessment in English.
If a student in grade 5 or 8 is enrolled in a course that earns high school credit and for which an end-of-course (EOC) assessment will be administered or in a course intended for students above the student’s current grade level in which the student will be administered a state mandated assessment, the student will not be subject to the promotion requirements described above for the relevant grade 5 or 8 assessment. However, the student’s score on an EOC assessment will count for 15% of the final grade for the course in which the student is enrolled and will be used in determining whether the student meets the minimum cumulative score required for graduation.
If a student at any grade level is enrolled in a class or course intended for students above his or her current grade level in which the student will be administered a state mandated assessment, the student will only be required to take an applicable state mandated assessment for the course in which he or she is enrolled.
Parents of a student in grades 3–8 who does not perform satisfactorily on his or her exams will be notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve performance. The student may be required to participate in this instruction before or after normal school hours or outside of the normal school year.
A student in grade 5 or 8 will have two additional opportunities to take a failed assessment. If a student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In order for the student to be promoted, based on standards previously established by the district, the decision of the committee must be unanimous and the student must complete additional special instruction before beginning the next grade level. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year. [See policies at EIE.]
Certain students—some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or special education director.
A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared for any student in a middle school or beyond who did not perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated assessment or is determined by the district as not likely to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year following enrollment in grade 9. The PGP will be designed and implemented by a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the principal. The plan will, among other items, identify the student’s educational goals, address the parent’s educational expectations for the student, and outline an intensive instruction program for the student. [For additional information, see the counselor and policy EIF(LEGAL).] For a student receiving special education services, the student’s IEP may serve as the student’s PGP and would therefore be developed by the student’s ARD committee.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL
Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.
A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning and follow the campus sign-out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day. Unless the principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student should receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.
REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES
Report cards with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every 9 weeks.
At the end of the fourth week of a nine-week grading period, parents will be given a written progress report if their child’s performance in any course is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject at the end of a grading period, the parent will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject. [See Working Together on page 3 for how to schedule a conference.]
Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the principal pursuant to the board-adopted policy and are designed to reflect each student’s relative mastery of each assignment for the grading period, semester, or course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the board determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow the district’s grading policy. [See policy EIA(LOCAL) and Grading Guidelines on page 31.]
Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG(LOCAL).
The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject.
Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and returned to the school within two days.
RETALIATION
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page 22.]
SAFETY
Student safety on campus and at school-related events is a high priority of the district. Although the district has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensuring school safety. A student should:
Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or others at risk.
Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers.
Remain alert to and promptly report to a teacher or the principal any safety hazards, such as intruders on campus or threats made by any person toward a student or staff member.
Know emergency evacuation routes and signals.
Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other district employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.
Accident Insurance
Soon after the school year begins, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that would help meet medical expenses in the event of injury to their child.
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies
From time to time, students, teachers, and other district employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
See Campus Crisis Management Plan for more details.
Emergency Medical Treatment and Information
If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school may have to rely on previously provided written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment, and information about allergies to medications, foods, insect bites, etc. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.). Please contact the school nurse to update any information that the nurse or the teacher needs to know.
Emergency School-Closing Information
Each year, parents are asked to complete an emergency release form to provide contact information in the event that school is dismissed early because of severe weather or another emergency. In the event of severe weather conditions, tune in to local TV or radio stations for information regarding decisions made by Sunnyvale ISD to cancel classes. We will make every effort to make a decision by 6:00 am.
KEOM – FM 88.3
KRLD –AM 1080
WBAP –AM 820 and FM 96.7
Television Channels, 4, 5, 8, 11
SCHOOL DAY
The school day is 8:05 AM to 3:25 PM. Students should plan to arrive at school no later than 7:55 AM to allow time to get to their classes, be seated, and be ready for instruction to begin at 8:05 AM. Students who arrive after the 8:05 AM bell will be counted tardy. Students with excessive tardies will be subject to disciplinary action.
SCHOOL FACILITIES
Use by Students Before and After School
Certain areas of the school will be accessible to students before and after school for specific purposes. Students are required to remain in the area where their activity is scheduled to take place.
The following areas are open to students before school, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Cafeteria
Library computer lab – room 302
Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity gives permission, a student will not be permitted to go to another area of the building or campus.
After dismissal of school in the afternoon, and unless involved in an activity under the supervision of a teacher, students must leave campus immediately.
Conduct Before and After School
Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after-school activities on district premises and at school-sponsored events off district premises, such as play rehearsals, club meetings, athletic practices, and special study groups or tutorials. Students are subject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter standards of behavior established by the sponsor for extracurricular participants.
Use of Hallways During Class Time
Loitering or standing in the halls during class is not permitted. During class time, a student must have a hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Failure to obtain a pass will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Cafeteria Services
The district participates in the National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally balanced meals daily. Free and reduced-price meals are available based on financial need. Information about a student’s participation is confidential. See Rhonda Monahan, Food Service Director to apply.
The district follows the federal and state guidelines regarding foods of minimal nutritional value being served or sold on school premises during the school day. [For more information, see policy CO(LEGAL).]
Parents/guardians may bring food for their child only. [For more information, see policy CO(LEGAL).]
Meal prices for the Middle School for the 2011-2012 school year are as follows:
Breakfast
Students $1.25
Teachers $1.75
Lunch
Students $2.50
Teachers $3.00
Food Deliveries
Generally, only a parent or guardian may bring outside food to his / her student. However, a parent or guardian may designate another person to bring outside food to his / her student by calling or e-mailing the appropriate campus office in advance. Each call or e-mail made for this purpose shall be applicable to one delivery for one day only. Deliveries made by someone other than a parent or guardian and without telephone or e-mail permission for that day will not be accepted.
Library
The library is a learning laboratory with books, computers, magazines, and other materials available for classroom assignments, projects, and reading or listening pleasure. The library is open for independent student use during the following times with a teacher permit:
7:30 AM – 3:45 PM
Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups
Student-organized, student-led noncurriculum-related groups are permitted to meet during the hours designated by the principal before and after school. These groups must comply with the requirements of policy FNAB(LOCAL).
A list of these groups is available in the principal’s office.
SEARCHES
In the interest of promoting student safety and attempting to ensure that schools are safe and drug free, district officials may from time to time conduct searches. Such searches are conducted without a warrant and as permitted by law.
Students’ Desks and Lockers
Students’ desks and lockers are school property and remain under the control and jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.
Students are fully responsible for the security and contents of their assigned desks and lockers. Students must be certain that their lockers are locked, and that the combinations are not available to others.
Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to believe that they contain articles or materials prohibited by policy, whether or not a student is present.
The parent will be notified if any prohibited items are found in the student’s desk or locker.
Electronic Devices
Use of district-owned equipment and its network systems is not private and will be monitored by the district. [See policy CQ for more information.]
Any searches of personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices will be conducted in accordance with law, and the device may be confiscated in order to perform a lawful search. A confiscated device may be turned over to law enforcement to determine whether a crime has been committed.
[See policy FNF(LEGAL) for more information.]
Trained Dogs
The district will use trained dogs to alert school officials to the presence of prohibited or illegal items, including drugs and alcohol. At any time, trained dogs may be used around lockers and the areas around vehicles parked on school property. Searches of classrooms, common areas, or student belongings may also be conducted by trained dogs when students are not present. An item in a classroom, a locker, or a vehicle to which a trained dog alerts may be searched by school officials.
Sexual Harassment
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page 22.]
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
The district provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless students, bilingual students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students, and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the district or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact the campus principal.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments for Students in Grades 9–12
Beginning with Algebra I students in the 8th grade, in the 2011–2012 school year, an end-of-course (EOC) assessment will be administered for Algebra I.
Satisfactory performance on the assessment will be required for graduation and will also affect the plan under which the student may graduate.
Normally, there will be three testing windows during the year in which a student may take an EOC assessment, which will occur during the fall, spring, and summer months. For the 2011–2012 school year, however, there will be only the spring and summer administrations of the EOC assessments.
In each content area (English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies), a student must achieve a cumulative score. To determine whether the student meets the cumulative score, the student’s EOC assessment scores in each content area will be added together. If the student’s total score on the assessments within the content area is not equal to or greater than the cumulative score set by TEA, the student may retake any of the assessments in that content area until the student achieves the cumulative score. A student who does not achieve the minimum required score on any individual assessment will be required to retake that assessment.
A student may choose to retake an EOC assessment in situations other than those listed above as well.
STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness)
Grades 3–8
In addition to routine tests and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state-mandated assessments, such as the STAAR, in the following subjects:
• Mathematics, annually in grades 3–8
• Reading, annually in grades 3–8
• Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
• Science in grades 5 and 8
• Social Studies in grade 8
Successful performance on the reading and math assessments in grades 5 and 8 is required by law, unless the student is enrolled in a reading or Math course intended for students above the law, unless the student is enrolled in a reading or math course intended for students above the student’s intended grade level, in order for the student to be promoted to the next grade level, in order for the student to be promoted to the next grade level. See Promotion and Retention on page 41 for additional information.
STAAR Modified and STAAR Alternate, for students receiving special education services, will be available for eligible students, as determined by the student’s ARD committee.
STAAR-L is a linguistically accommodated assessment that is available for certain limited English proficient (LEP) students, as determined by the student’s Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC). A Spanish version of the STAAR is also available to students through grade 5 who need this accommodation.
The 2011–2012 school year was the first year of implementation of the STAAR testing program. For students who took the STAAR assessments required for grades 3–8 in spring 2012, parents will be informed of their child’s performance once the results of these assessments are received by the district, expected in January 2013.
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments for Students in Grades 9–12
Beginning with ninth graders in the 2011–2012 school year, end-of-course (EOC) assessments are administered for the following courses:
• Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
• English I, English II, and English III
• Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• World Geography, World History, and United States History
Satisfactory performance on the applicable assessments will be required for graduation and will also affect the plan under which the student may graduate.
There are three testing windows during the year in which a student may take an EOC assessment, which will occur during the fall, spring, and summer months. In each content area (English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies), a student must achieve a cumulative score. To determine whether the student meets the cumulative score, the student’s EOC assessment scores in each content area will be added together. If the student’s total score on the assessments within the content area is not equal to or greater than the cumulative score set by TEA, the student may retake any of the assessments in that content area until the student achieves the cumulative score. A student who does not achieve the minimum required score on any individual assessment will be required to retake that assessment.
A student may choose to retake an EOC assessment in situations other than those listed above as well.
STAAR Modified and STAAR Alternate, for students receiving special education services, will be available for eligible students, as determined by the student’s ARD committee. These particular EOC assessments may have different testing windows than the general assessments, and the ARD committee will determine whether successful performance on the assessments will be required for graduation.
STAAR-L, which is a linguistically accommodated assessment, will be available for students who have been determined to be limited English proficient (LEP) and who require this type of testing accommodation..
Also see Grading Guidelines on page 31 for additional information.
STEROIDS
State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use.
Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense.
Students participating in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random steroid testing. More information on the UIL testing program may be found on the UIL Web site at .
STUDENTS IN PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF THE STATE
The district strives to assist any student who has been placed in either temporary or permanent conservatorship (custody) of the state of Texas with the enrollment and registration process, as well as other educational services throughout the student’s enrollment in the district.
Please contact Laura McAda who has been designated as the middle school’s liaison for children in the conservatorship of the state, at 972-226-2922 with any questions.
STUDENT SPEAKERS
The district provides students the opportunity to introduce the following school events:
1. Secondary pep rallies; and
2. Secondary award programs.
Students are eligible to introduce these events if they:
1. Are in the highest two grade levels of the school;
2. Volunteer to speak; and
3. Are not in a disciplinary placement or suspended from any extracurricular activity at the time of the speaking event. Disciplinary placement includes In-School Suspension (ISS), Out-of-School Suspension (OSS), District Disciplinary alternative Educational Placement (DAEP), and expulsion.
If a student meets the eligibility criteria and wishes to introduce one of the school events listed above, the student should submit his or her name to the principal during the first week of the fall semester and/or spring semester. The names of all students who volunteered will be randomly drawn and matched to the event for which the student will give the introduction. If the selected student speaker declines or becomes ineligible, then no student introduction will be made at that event. The selection of students to introduce school events will occur at the beginning of each semester.
[See FNA(LOCAL).]
SUICIDE AWARENESS
The district is committed to partnering with parents to support the healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral development of its students. If you are concerned about your child, please access the following Web sites or contact the school counselor for more information related to suicide prevention and to find mental health services available in your area:
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SUMMER SCHOOL
• Summer school classes may be taken to recover credit for a class that was failed.
• Summer school grades may NOT be averaged with regular school-term grades to earn a passing grade for the year.
• Prior approval from the principal must be obtained for summer classes to be taken for acceleration.
TARDINESS
Students will be allowed one tardy per class each quarter. The second tardy for the quarter in each class will result in a 30 minute detention assigned by the teacher. Each tardy thereafter will result in an office referral. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. A student who is tardy to class by more than 10 minutes will be counted absent for the class period.
TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbooks and other district-approved instructional materials are provided to students free of charge for each subject or class. Any books must be covered by the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. Electronic textbooks and technological equipment may also be provided to students, depending on the course and course objectives. A student who is issued a damaged item should report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return an item in acceptable condition loses the right to free textbooks and technological equipment until the item is returned or the damage paid for by the parent; however, the student will be provided the necessary instructional resources and equipment for use at school during the school day.
TRANSFERS
The principal is authorized to transfer a student from one classroom to another.
[See School Safety Transfers, on page 8 and Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education, on page 9 for other transfer options.]
TRANSPORTATION
School-Sponsored Trips
Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the event. The principal, however, may make an exception if the parent makes a written request that the student be released to the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.
Buses and Other School Vehicles
The district makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school.
A parent may also designate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the regular pickup and drop-off location for his or her child. The designated facility or residence must be on an approved stop on an approved route. For information on bus routes and stops or to designate an alternate pickup or drop-off location, you may contact Ron Hounsel at 972-203-4756.
See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions regarding transportation to the DAEP.
Students are expected to assist district staff in ensuring that buses remain in good condition and that transportation is provided safely. When riding in district vehicles, students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. Students must:
Follow the driver’s directions at all times.
Enter and leave the bus or van in an orderly manner at the designated stop.
Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle.
Not deface the bus, van, or its equipment.
Not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus or van.
Not possess or use any form of tobacco on school buses.
Observe all usual classroom rules.
Be seated while the vehicle is moving.
Fasten their seat belts, if available.
Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the bus or van and before crossing in front of the vehicle.
Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; bus-riding privileges may be suspended.
VANDALISM
The taxpayers of the community have made a sustained financial commitment for the construction and upkeep of school facilities. To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended—both this year and for years to come—littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be required to pay for damages they cause and will be subject to criminal proceedings as well as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
VIDEO CAMERAS
For safety purposes, video and audio recording equipment is used to monitor student behavior, including on buses and in common areas on campus. Students will not be told when the equipment is being used.
The principal will review the video and audio recordings routinely and document student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
General Visitors
Parents and others are welcome to visit district schools. For the safety of those within the school and to avoid disruption of instructional time, all visitors must first report to the principal’s office and must comply with all applicable district policies and procedures.
Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher and only so long as their duration or frequency does not interfere with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment.
All visitors are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct; disruptive behavior will not be permitted.
Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students
On High School Career Day, the district invites representatives from colleges and universities and other higher education institutions, prospective employers, and military recruiters to present information to interested students.
WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL
A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. The parent may obtain a withdrawal form from the principal’s office.
On the student’s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for current grade averages and book and equipment clearance; to the librarian to ensure a clear library record; to the clinic for health records; to the counselor for the last report card and course clearance; and finally, to the principal. A copy of the withdrawal form will be given to the student, and a copy will be placed in the student’s permanent record.
A student who is 18 or older, who is married, or who has been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor may withdraw without parental signature.
Glossary
Accelerated instruction is an intensive supplemental program designed to address the needs of an individual student in acquiring the knowledge and skills required at his or her grade level and/or as a result of a student not meeting the passing standard on a state-mandated assessment.
ACT refers to one of the two most frequently used college or university admissions exams: the American College Test. The test may be a requirement for admission to certain colleges or universities.
ARD is the admission, review, and dismissal committee convened for each student who is identified as needing a full and individual evaluation for special education services. The eligible student and his or her parents are members of the committee.
Attendance review committee is responsible for reviewing a student’s absences when the student’s attendance drops below 90 percent, or in some cases 75 percent, of the days the class is offered. Under guidelines adopted by the board, the committee will determine whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences and whether the student needs to complete certain conditions to master the course and regain credit lost because of absences.
Board of Trustees is the governing body that is dually elected by voters to set policies and oversee district operations.
DAEP stands for disciplinary alternative education program, a placement for students who have violated certain provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
EOC assessments are end-of-course tests, which are state-mandated, and are part of the STAAR program. Successful performance on EOC assessments will be required for graduation beginning with students in grade 8 taking Algebra I during the 2011–2012 school year. These exams will be given at the high school level in English I, English II, English III, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, World Geography, World History, and United States History.
FERPA refers to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act that grants specific privacy protections to student records. The law contains certain exceptions, such as for directory information, unless a student’s parent or a student 18 or older directs the school not to release directory information.
IEP is the written record of the individualized education program prepared by the ARD committee for a student with disabilities who is eligible for special education services. The IEP contains several parts, such as a statement of the student’s present educational performance; a statement of measurable annual goals, with short-term objectives; the special education and related services and supplemental aids and services to be provided, and program modifications or support by school personnel; a statement regarding how the student’s progress will be measured and how the parents will be kept informed; accommodations for state or district wide tests; whether successful completion of state-mandated assessments is required for graduation, etc.
ISS refers to in-school suspension, a disciplinary technique for misconduct found in the Student Code of Conduct. Although different from out-of-school suspension and placement in a DAEP, ISS removes the student from the regular classroom.
LAT stands for linguistically accommodated testing, which is an assessment process for recent immigrant English language learners who are required to be assessed in certain grades and subjects under the NCLB Act.
NCLB Act is the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
PGP stands for Personal Graduation Plan, which is recommended for all students entering grade 9 and is required by state law for any student in middle school or higher who fails a section on a state-mandated test or is identified by the district as not likely to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year after he or she begins grade 9.
SAT refers to one of the two most frequently used college or university admissions exams: the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The test may be a requirement for admissions to certain colleges or universities.
SHAC stands for School Health Advisory Council, a group of at least five members, a majority of whom must be parents, appointed by the school board to assist the district in ensuring that local community values and health issues are reflected in the district’s health education instruction.
Section 504 is the federal law that prohibits discrimination against a student with a disability, requiring schools to provide opportunities for equal services, programs, and participation in activities. Unless the student is determined to be eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), general education with appropriate instructional accommodations will be provided.
STAAR is the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, the state’s system of standardized academic achievement assessments, effective beginning with certain students for the 2011–2012 school year.
STAAR Alternate is an alternative state-mandated assessment designed for students with severe cognitive disabilities receiving special education services who meet the participation requirements, as determined by the student’s ARD committee.
STAAR Modified is an alternative state-mandated assessment based on modified achievement standards that is administered to eligible students receiving special education services, as determined by the student’s ARD committee.
STAAR Linguistically Accommodated (STAAR L) is an alternative state-mandated assessment with linguistic accommodations designed for certain recent immigrant English language learners.
State-mandated assessments are required of students at certain grade levels and in specified subjects. Successful performance sometimes is a condition of promotion, and passing the grade 11 exit-level test or end-of-course assessments, when applicable, is a condition of graduation. Students have multiple opportunities to take the tests if necessary for promotion or graduation.
Student Code of Conduct is developed with the advice of the district-level committee and adopted by the board and identifies the circumstances, consistent with law, when a student may be removed from the classroom or campus. It also sets out the conditions that authorize or require the principal or another administrator to place the student in a DAEP. It outlines conditions for out-of-school suspension and for expulsion. The Student Code of Conduct also addresses notice to the parent regarding a student’s violation of one of its provisions.
TAKS is the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, the state’s standardized achievement test currently given to students in certain subjects in grade 11 and is required for graduation for these students. A student in grade 12 who has not yet met the passing standard on this assessment will have opportunities to retake the test.
TELPAS stands for the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System, which assesses the progress that English language learners make in learning the English language, and is administered for those who meet the participation requirements in kindergarten–grade 12.
TxVSN is the Texas Virtual School Network, which provides online courses for Texas students to supplement the instructional programs of public school districts. Courses are taught by qualified instructors, and courses are equivalent in rigor and scope to a course taught in a traditional classroom setting.
UIL refers to the University Interscholastic League, the statewide voluntary nonprofit organization that oversees educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests.
APPENDIX I:
Acknowledgment Form—Amendment
My child and I have received a copy of the Sunnyvale ISD Student Handbook Amendment # ____ dated ______________.
Print name of student:
Signature of student:
Signature of parent:
Date:
APPENDIX II:
Use of Student Work in District Publications
Occasionally, the Sunnyvale ISD wishes to display or publish student artwork or special projects on the district’s Web site and in district publications. The district agrees to only use these student projects in this manner.
Parent: Please circle one of the choices below:
I, parent of ______________________________ (student’s name), (do give) (do not give) the district permission to use my child’s artwork or special project on the district’s Web site and in district publications.
Parent signature:
Date:
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